Skillet Cajun Spiced Fish with Tomatoes

 Credit for this delicious skillet goes to Gina Homolka at Skinnytaste.com

Cajun spices, tomatoes, onions and peppers give any white fish extra pizazz and a little kick. Super easy and quick... Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 4 6 ounce pieces white fish fillets (flounder, fluke, cod, halibut)
• 3/4 cup onion - chopped
• 2 cloves garlic - minced
• 3/4 cup diced green bell pepper - yellow or orange are okay, too
• 2 1/2 cups ripe tomatoes - chopped (canned are okay, too)
• 1 tbsp Cajun spice seasoning

Preparation:

In a deep skillet, cook onion and garlic in olive oil on medium heat for a few minutes until soft.

Add tomatoes, peppers and spices, stir and cook until tomatoes are soft, about 2-3 minutes.

Lay fish fillets in the sauce, cover and cook on medium-low until fish flakes easily, approx 12-15.

To serve, place fish on plate and spoon sauce on top. Serve immediately.

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Grandma Inspired Fried "Meatballs"

My wife's grandmother became my Grandma Caroline when we moved into her tiny basement apartment for the first two years of our marriage. She spoke no English... I spoke no Italian. We communicated through food... mostly by way of the amazing Italian dishes she fed me. I was not a good cook four plus decades ago, so Grandma's cooking was always a joy.

She frequently made these little football shaped fried meatballs that were just to die for. Thinking back now on how much oil she used....... but OMG they were so good!!! They were, of course, beef based, but today I saw her smiling down at me as I attempted a similar version using white meat chicken... and a lot less oil. LOL

In a nutshell, I think today's creation would have Grandma Caroline smiling. I hope you do as well.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken or turkey
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup plus red onion - minced
• 1/2 cup plus baby portobello mushrooms - minced
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley - minced very fine
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp sweet paprika or half sharp for a little kick
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup plus flavored Panko
• 4-5 tbsp good quality olive oil

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients but the oil in a bowl... Don't be shy... use your hands and have fun! LOL Once thoroughly mixed, make free-form patties about 1/2" thick. I decided on patties so I could cut way back on the amount of oil grandma used to use.

Heat up a large skillet over medium high and then add the oil. Carefully place the patties in the skillet and fry until you see a color on the bottom you're happy with. Flip them over and finish with same color. 

Serve with a vegetable you like... Here I paired the paddies with sauteed bok choy and tomato.

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Cauliflower Mash by Chef Michael R

I made this mash as an alternative to the one with cheese I got from the ADA's Diabetic Food Hub as not all proteins go well with a cheese flavor. As it turns out, my version is quite versatile and goes with just about any protein. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head cauliflower
• 1 medium yellow onion - minced
• 2-3 tbsp salted butter - as needed
• flavored bread crumbs - as needed
• salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:

Cut up the cauliflower and use your preferred cooking method until the florets are moderately soft. I simmer/steam in my Guardian Service - lid on.

While the cauliflower is cooking, mince the onion and saute in a bit of olive oil until translucent and slightly browned. Set aside for later, including saute oil for flavor.

Once the cauliflower is cooked, use a potato masher to break up the florets.

Add butter and puree the cauliflower using a stick blender. Add salt, pepper, butter and maybe flavored bread crumbs until you achieve a consistency and flavor to your liking.

Finally add the sauteed onion to the mix and blend well. Set the mash aside and keep warm.

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Low-Carb Cauliflower Mash

Boiled potatoes, with their glycemic index around 80, are simply not a good choice for diabetics. Everybody loves a good pile of mashed potatoes, though... especially when slathered with a good gravy. I found this cauliflower mash on the ADA's Diabetic Food Hub and have to say... it works. It will never replace the awesomeness of the mashed potatoes I still make for everyone else on holidays, but hey... I'm a diabetic and have to do what's right for me. 

I've adapted this one with a bit more cheese and salt for more flavor. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower
• 1 tbsp salted butter
• 1/2 cup sharp white cheddar cheese - grated 
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh chives or scallions - chopped

Preparation:

Cut the cauliflower into florets (discard the thick stem). Insert a steamer basket in a large pot and fill the pot with water up until the level of the steamer basket. Add the cauliflower florets. Cover the pot and steam over high heat for 12-15 minutes or until the cauliflower is softened.

Drain the cauliflower and add it to a large bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the cauliflower. Stir in the butter and cheese while the cauliflower is still hot. Add the salt and pepper and stir until the mixture is mostly smooth and creamy. (Chef Michael Note: If you want your mash really smooth, finish the mix with a stick blender.) Serve and top with chives or scallions.

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

 

Weekend Ramble: Health Benefits of Cucumber

You know... I've been eating cucumbers all my life, but apparently I have taken their wonderful nutritional values and benefits completely for granted. That is... until I stumbled across this article on WebMD. Read it and smile, because including more cucumber in our diabetic meal plans is not only easy, but quite tasty as well. I'll link to a couple of my cucumber recipes at the end, too. Enjoy!

Health Benefits of Cucumber

Medically Reviewed by Mahammad Juber, MD on November 29, 2022

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

 

Cucumbers are refreshing, juicy members in the gourd family that are popular in summer dishes and salads around the world. Cucumbers thrive in warm temperatures, making them a common addition to summertime gardens. Their mild flavor makes them easy to add to many dishes without affecting the flavor of the food, which makes cucumbers an easy way to add bulk to smaller meals. Cucumbers can also be pickled, and they pick up the flavor of the brine better than almost any other green thing. Cucumbers are technically considered berries, not vegetables. However, their green skin still offers some significant health benefits, as does the rest of the cucumber. 

Health Benefits

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in cucumber provide significant health benefits. For example, cucumber skin is full of beta-carotene, which is part of the reason for its rich green color. The carotene family of pigments are important provitamins. Your body can convert beta-carotenes into vitamin A, which is a critical vitamin for keeping your eyes and skin healthy. 

Other health benefits of cucumber include:

May Aid Weight Management

Cucumber is a super-low calorie food. An entire cucumber, generally defined as being 8.25 inches long or 300 grams, only has 45 calories. Cucumbers are more than 96% water, so they’re filling and nutritious but not calorie-dense. This high-water, low-calorie combination is great for weight management. Studies have shown that eating foods with low energy density, or few calories per gram, is connected with weight loss in people who are obese. Cucumbers are the very definition of a food with a low energy density, so adding them to your diet may help you maintain or reduce your weight.

Rich in Antioxidants

Cucumbers are full of nutrients that act as antioxidants. These antioxidants may have particularly powerful effects, according to some studies. One such study tested the power of cucumber powder and found that adding cucumber to the diet significantly increases the amount of antioxidant activity in the body. While more studies should be done, cucumber root is a safe way to get more dietary antioxidants easily.

May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Finally, cucumbers are low in carbohydrates, so they can be a good option for people with elevated blood sugar levels. Early trials suggest that cucumber is one of the most effective plants for not only reducing blood sugar levels but also lowering the risk of hypoglycemia during a blood sugar drop. For people with diabetes, cucumber may be a helpful addition to their diet to moderate blood sugar levels more effectively.

Nutrition

Cucumbers are full of antioxidants, particularly in their skin. These compounds help your body process and remove free radicals, which lowers your risk of health conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. 

Cucumber is also rich in the mineral potassium. This mineral helps your nerves fire, your cells communicate, your muscles contract, and your kidneys function. Without enough potassium, you may start to notice problems with your blood pressure and heart function.

In addition to antioxidants and potassium, cucumber is an excellent source of:

• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin K
• Potassium
• Folate 
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Choline

Nutrients per Serving 

A 1/2-cup serving of cucumber contains:

• Calories: 8
• Protein: Less than 1 gram
• Fat: Less than 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Fiber: Less than 1 gram
• Sugar: 1 gram

Portion Sizes

Because cucumber is so low in calories, it’s hard to eat too much when it comes to weight management. However, eating too much of anything can cause discomfort. Eating large amounts of cucumber in one sitting may lead to stomach pain or distress. In general, it’s best to eat a few ounces of cucumber at a time to prevent stomach discomfort.

How to Prepare Cucumber

Cucumber is a versatile food. It’s easily found in grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and health food stores around the country all year long, though it may be less expensive during the summer when it’s in season. 

Cucumbers are most frequently eaten raw. Their high water content can cause strange results when they are incorporated into cooked dishes. As a result, cucumbers are most commonly eaten cold. Here are a few ways to incorporate this refreshing plant into your diet.

• Sprinkle sliced cucumbers with salt as a snack.
• Eat a small cucumber on its own.
• Add cucumber slices to water.
• Include cucumbers in salads.
• Make your own pickles.
• Add cucumbers to sandwiches.
• Throw cucumber slices into smoothies.

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As promised, here are a few of my favorite ways to use cucumber:

German Cucumber Salad

Tuna Bonanza

Shirazi Salad

Sesame Cucumber Salad

Have a great week, everyone, and thank you for your support!

Blessed be… and happy cooking!

                                                            Chef Michael R

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Slightly modified from a recipe found on Kathy's Vegan Kitchen

This savory, rich, vegan Hungarian mushroom soup is thick, creamy, and full of vegetables. It's the perfect bowl of savory goodness to warm you this season and all year round.

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups yellow onion diced small
• ½ cup yellow zucchini diced small
• ½ cup green zucchini diced small
• ½ cup carrots diced small
• ½ cup celery diced small
• ½ cup cooked pearl barley
• 1 pound white button mushroom sliced thin
• ¼ cup + 1 Tablespoon Hungarian paprika This is the correct amount
• ½ cup fresh dill chopped finely
• ¼ cup Tamari or soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 6 cups organic vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ cup Wondra flour

Cashew Cream:

• ½ cup raw cashews (or sunflower seeds) soaked overnight
• 2 cups unsweetened unflavored almond milk (or plant milk of choice)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Garnish with dill and microgreens

Preparation:

In a soup pot (4 quarts or more), cook onion and garlic on medium heat until translucent. Add a little vegetable broth to prevent sticking. Then, add both zucchinis, carrots, barley and celery. Then add mushrooms.

Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring as it all cooks together. Add 1 cup of the vegetable broth and cook for a few minutes. Sprinkle ¼ cup flour into vegetables cooking in the broth.

Use a whisk or a spoon, combine the flour into the vegetables and broth, and get a thick paste (you do not want clumps). Add more vegetable broth if necessary.

Add the remaining vegetable broth, dill, soy sauce, paprika, nutmeg, lemon zest, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together. Bring to a boil, and then cover and turn down to simmer for 20 minutes. 

While the soup simmers, drain the cashews and combine them with almond milk. Blend with a high-speed blender. Slowly, add the cashew/milk mixture to the soup, stirring while adding.

Then, continue simmering, lid off, occasionally stirring, until soup thickens. If the soup gets too thick for your taste, add a little more vegetable broth. Serve with a hardy artesian bread.

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Terroso Riso aka Earthy Rice... or Barley!

You know it's not always about the main course. Sometimes a side dish

can really pull things together.... like this very earthy rice favorite. 

Yes.... this has whole grain rice, a complex carb,

so be sure to serve a sensible portion as a side :-)

A healthier option for this dish is to use barley... leftover, pearl or quick-cook.

Same great flavor pallet with a rather low GI of 28 and GL of 6.2. Enjoy!

I will leave the measurements/quantities up to you.

Have fun with it and make it your own. :-)

Ingredients:
· Whole Grain Wild Rice - pick your favorite
· Olive Oil
· Baby Portobello Mushrooms - chopped
· Fresh Italian Parsley - whole leaves, no stems
· Garlic Powder
· Locatelli Romano Grated Cheese
· Fresh Ground Black Pepper

Preparation:
Cook rice according to directions... You can use leftovers here, too. In a non-stick pan, fry the rice and mushrooms in a bit of olive oil... Just enough for frying... don't drown the rice. Add garlic powder and parsley and toss over low flame. Fold in grated cheese until melted. Serve with fresh ground black pepper.

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Bruschetta-Stuffed Mushrooms

 Credit for this appetizer goes to the ADA's Diabetes Food Hub

Bruschetta is a colorful and delicious appetizer for any gathering. For a lower carb option, try this simple bruschetta stuffed in mushrooms instead of serving it on the traditional baguette.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint grape tomatoes - quartered

• 2 tsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic - minced

• 2 tsp dried basil

• 1/3 cup 2% mozzarella cheese

• 2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 14 oz (about 14 mushrooms) large "stuffer" mushrooms

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

In a skillet, heat olive oil and add garlic. Saute garlic for about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and continue to saute for about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in basil and both cheeses.

Remove stems from mushrooms and fill with tomato mixture. Bake in oven for 15 minutes.

Let cool slightly, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Serve warm.

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Shrimp & Pollock with Creamy Broccoli & Lima Beans

This dish is comfort food. Period. Great source of good nutrients combined with a very cozy flavor pallet, this dish will have everyone around the table smiling. Enjoy!

I know the dish looks like a pasta overload... In reality, pasta's glycemic index is in the low range at 52-54. The trick is to eat a sensible amount, which should be fairly easy considering the recipe only calls for six ounces of noodles in total.

 Ingredients:

• 6 oz pollock bites
• 6 oz lge shrimp - cleaned & tails removed
• olive oil
• splash of lemon juice - fresh squeezed preferred
• 6 oz frozen lima beans
• 6 oz broccoli crowns - cut up after cooking
• 1 lg yellow onion - diced
• 3 scallions - cut to 1/4" rings
• 1 15.5 oz can Cream of Shrimp condensed soup
• 1/3 cup half & half
• 6 oz egg noodles

Preparation:

Combine pollock & shrimp in a bowl. Add a dash of salt & pepper, a little olive oil and a splash of lemon juice. Toss to blend flavors and set aside.

Cook the lima beans and broccoli as you normally do. Cut the broccoli into small pieces. Set both aside.

Put on the water for the egg noodles... don't forget to salt the water.

Heat ~2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute until fish and shrimp are just done. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate with a cover.

Add a little more oil if needed and saute the onion over medium heat. Add scallions and after a minute add the soup. Rinse can with 1/3 cup half & half, add and blend. Add the vegetables, blend and season with salt & pepper to taste. 

Finally, add the shrimp and pollock back to the skillet, blend and cover. Simmer on low for a couple more minutes for everything to heat through.

Serve over egg noodles as shown top of post or with noodles on the side. :-)

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Heavenly Halibut... or Cod... :-)

This one is adapted from AllRecipes.com where the recipe calls for two pounds of halibut. As fun as that much fish may seem, we eat lovely 6 oz portions in my home which seems to be quite enough protein. I'm therefore paring down to a 2-person recipe and leaving out carbs to make the dish diabetic friendly. I like to serve this dish with a vegetable like lima beans that have both a low glycemic index (46) and load (7).

Ingredients:

• 2  6oz halibut or cod filets
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp salted butter - softened
• 1.5 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp chopped scallions
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 dash sriracha sauce

Preparation:

Pat filets dry using paper towel, squeezing gently to remove excess liquid and coat lightly with olive oil. Place filets into your toaster oven's foil lined baking tray with the rack set so the filets are about 6" from the heat source, and broil on a low setting for ~8 minutes.

HalibutCod

Meanwhile, mix all other ingredients in a bowl.

Remove filets from the oven, coat with mixture and return to the oven for about another 2 minutes. Your cue to serve is when the topping is bubbling and slightly browned.

Serve with a side of diabetic friendly vegetables and a green salad of your choice.

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

BBQ Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

These are so good I like to make extras. :-) To keep the sugars low I pair these delicious thighs with barley cooked in chicken stock along with a nice, vibrant salad.

Ingredients:

• 10-12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup country style Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp finely shredded lemon peel (optional)
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced fine (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp Chilulah hot sauce (original or chili garlic)
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Preparation:

In a 1-cup measuring cup, combine all ingredients but chicken and mix thoroughly. Trim fat from chicken thighs and make sure you can fold each thigh open so they're not too thick. Place all chicken pieces in a ziplock bag. Pour marinade into bag, seal, mix and let sit for four hours.

Set grill to medium and grill chicken 10 minutes each side. During this time, simmer the remaining marinade on stove. After 20 minutes of grilling, flip thighs one more time and baste with cooked marinade. Grill 5 more minutes on low. Serve with cooked marinade on the side as extra coating or dipping sauce.

Blessed be… and happy cooking!

Weekend Ramble: Is Diet Soda a Healthy Choice?

The short answer is, in fact, a resounding NO! Find out why in this informative article published on University Hospitals health blog.

Is Diet Soda a Healthy Choice?

Jacob Wolf, ND, LAc - June 24, 2024

For health-conscious people, choosing diet soda instead of regular seems like a better choice. No calories, no sugar, no problem, right? “Wrong,” says Jacob Wolf, ND, LAc, naturopathic physician at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health. “Although diet soda doesn’t contain sugar, the artificial sweeteners, flavor enhancers and other chemical additives can be harmful to your health.”

Studies have shown that even one or two diet sodas a day can have negative health effects. If regularly consumed in larger amounts, the harmful effects of diet soda are multiplied, potentially increasing the risk for a variety of serious health problems, including:

Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome. Studies have shown a link between diet soda and an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms that may include low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, high blood sugar, increased belly fat, high triglycerides and high blood pressure. Metabolic syndrome greatly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

AFib & High Blood Pressure. Studies show that drinking just one diet soda per day may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems including AFib (irregular heartbeat) and high blood pressure.

Weight Gain & Disrupted Hunger Signals. The artificial sweeteners in diet soda trigger the same response in the brain as real sugar. The moment "sweetness” is detected, it signals the body to release hormones to process the sugar. And because diet soda is hyper-sweetened, it can trigger cravings for more sweet, high-calorie foods leading to weight gain and belly fat in particular.

Dental Problems. Diet sodas often contain phosphoric and citric acids which can erode tooth enamel. Weakened tooth enamel can lead to tooth sensitivity, pitting of the tooth’s surface and changes to the color of the teeth, giving them a chalky appearance.

Headaches. People who are prone to migraines may be more likely to get headaches after consuming artificial sweeteners, such as those found in diet soda.

Changes in Bone Density. Diet soda contains phosphorus, which may decrease bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially in older adults.

Stroke & Dementia. The consumption of artificial sweeteners like aspartame, has been linked to an increased risk of neurological problems like stroke and dementia.

Gut Health. Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may disturb the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, called the gut microbiome. Saccharin and sucralose in particular have been shown to dramatically alter healthy bacteria levels in the gut and may affect blood sugar control. Changes in the microbiome caused by artificial sweeteners may also inhibit some aspects of the immune system’s ability to respond to infections.

Kidney Disease & Kidney Stones. Excessive soda consumption, diet or regular, may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease and the formation of kidney stones.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NFLD). Research has established a strong correlation between diet soda and NFLD, which affects up to half of people.

Thyroid Function. Some studies have found that drinking diet soda can cause the thyroid gland to work less efficiently, potentially leading to increased fat storage and weight gain.

Joint Pain. The artificial sweeteners in diet soda can trigger an inflammatory response in the body and may worsen joint pain.

Healthy Alternatives:

“Even though drinking a moderate amount of diet soda isn’t likely to hurt you, it has no nutritional value and offers no benefit to human consumption” says Dr. Wolf. “It’s better to quench your thirst with healthier alternatives like water, seltzer and unsweetened tea or coffee.”

“If you choose to occasionally indulge in soda, it’s better to choose one made with real sugar instead of diet versions with all the chemicals and additives. As always, moderation is key.”

Dr. Wolf also cautions people to be mindful of popular “natural” sodas made with newer sugar alternatives. Stevia and agave may trick the body into wanting more, and the sugar alcohol erythritol has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots.

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Have a great week, everyone, and thank you for your support!

Blessed be… and happy cooking!

                                                            Chef Michael R

 

Bean Sprout Stir Fry

I must have looked over 50 or so recipes for bean sprout stir fry on the Net. In the end I decided to create my very own, making sure the composition was going to satisfy my need for diabetic friendly ingredients and provide great flavor as well. Serve this as a side to my Soy Sauce Salmon and you're in for a culinary delight with many flavor levels. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz mung bean sprouts
• 2 stalks green onion (scallion)
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper - minced
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp agave syrup
• 2-3 grinds from black pepper mill

Preparation:

Place bean sprouts in a colander and rinse/drain well. 

Chop the garlic, mince the red pepper and cut the scallions two ways. The white stem should bet cut to small disks, and the green tops can be cut at an angle so the look pretty.

Mix together sesame oil, light soy sauce, agave, salt & pepper and set aside.

Heat the oil in a wok, or as I like to use, a large non-stick Dutch oven. Saute the garlic and white from scallions over medium/low heat until fragrant. Do not let these items brown.

Next add the sprouts and red pepper. Turn to medium high and toss/cook for about a minute. Finally add the sauce and the green scallion cuts. Toss to heat through  and enjoy!

Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Garlic Barley & Black Beans

Legumes are among some of the very best foods for us diabetics. There's a reason I devoted a whole Weekend Ramble to them a while back. Visit The Health Benefits of Legumes for more information.

Today I share with you a recipe found in one of my favorite recipe books, The Comprehensive Diabetic Cookbook for Beginners by Keith Laurence. In this dish he combines black beans (GI 30) with my absolute favorite grain barley. The recipe calls for hulled barley (GI 20-25) but if that is hard to come by, pearl barley (GI 30) will work equally well.

I personally prefer to use more than three cloves of garlic, but... well that's just me. LOL

The key to making this butt-ugly protein work is to pair it with something that will create a party in your mouth, because it certainly is NOT pretty to look at. The whole concept of attractive plating is just out the window with this one, so don't even think of a party for your eyes! LOL. I've found that an Italian tomato salad or my German Cucumber Salad take care of this nicely and will bring about the always loved Yummy Noises. :-)

I hope you enjoy this earthy dish as much as I do, and as always... feel free to make it your own with seasonings and sides that YOU like. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups hulled barley
• 2 cups dry black beans - rinsed and drained
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 lge yellow onion - chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic - minced
• 1 tsp table salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Preparation:

Mix all the ingredients in a 6 qt slow cooker.

Give all ingredients a good stir.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until beans and barley are soft.

Remove the bay leaf and discard. Serve warm with a tossed green salad, traditional Italian tomato salad or my German Cucumber Salad.

For a breakfast treat next day form small patties, dip in egg and panko and fry to a crispy golden brown. 😊

Blessed be... and happy cooking!